Challenges and Opportunities of Female Professional Workers in the Building Construction Industry: Case Study on Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Date
2024-12
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
This study assesses the opportunities and challenges faced by female professional workers in the building construction industry within Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Despite global advances in gender equality, the construction sector remains predominantly male-dominated, particularly in developing regions where cultural norms and systemic barriers limit women's participation. This research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys(170 female professional) with qualitative interviews (7 female professional) to gather comprehensive data, including Engineering, Architecture, Surveyor, and Project management. Descriptive statistics will be used to summarize the survey data for the quantitative analysis and thematic analysis will be applied to the qualitative analysis. Key findings reveal significant challenges, including gender biases, cultural norms, workplace harassment, limited access to training and professional development opportunities and unequal treatment compared to their male counterparts. Additionally, the study highlights the lack of supportive networks and mentorship programs that further hinder women's career advancement. However, the research also identifies emerging opportunities, such as government initiatives promoting gender equality, an increasing awareness of the benefits of diversity within the workforce, emotional support, verbal encouragement and a growing demand for skilled labor in the construction sector. The insights gained from this study underscore the need for targeted interventions to address the identified barriers and leverage the available opportunities, ultimately promoting a more inclusive and equitable construction industry in Addis Ababa. The findings aim to inform policymakers, industry leaders, and educational institutions about effective strategies to enhance women's participation and empowerment in the construction workforce, contributing to broader societal progress in gender equality.
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Keywords
Construction Sectors, Challenges, Opportunities, Female Professional Workers, Gender